Dear Parents and Student Athletes,
Welcome to Ridgecliff Middle School Athletics. Getting involved in school athletic programs is a wonderful way to feel more a part of your school. Regardless of skill level, the development of self-discipline, citizenship, confidence in abilities and good habits of physical fitness are important in the development of the whole child.
Along with the rewards of athletic participation, there are responsibilities that accompany the choice to become a student athlete. Athletes who wear the uniform of RMS represent the school at venues in the Mariner Zone throughout the greater Halifax area. Our expectations for student athletes are high. In addition to high academic and behavior standards that apply to student athletes, there are also a variety of rules and regulations that govern participation in our sports programs.
If an athlete, parent, or fan has a concern or question regarding an athletic situation, that individual should talk with the person along the following communication line:
Coaches; Athletic Directors (Mr. AuCoin/Mr. Noel); and Administration.
Student/Athletes at RMS must realize that participation in extra-curricular activities is a privilege, not a right. Students who become member of any team are expected to:
Display good sportsmanship at all times.
Be a good “team” player. This means following team rules.
Maintain a satisfactory academic standing in all subject areas.
Maintain expected behaviors throughout the school.
e) Maintain satisfactory attendance.
Be respectful of your teammates and coach
Failure to meet criteria during a game situation may result in an immediate suspension (for the remainder of game/practice) by the coach and/or liaison. Decisions on longer suspensions or complete removal from a team will be made by a sports committee comprised of the coach/liaison, athletic director, at least one other staff member and an administrator.
The coach may establish reasonable rules for the participation on a specific team at any time. Although, it may not be equal, each player will get meaningful playing time through practices and games. Athletes/parents should approach the coach at an appropriate time or contact via phone/email.
Practice
Come prepared and ready to practice. Your coach will show up everyday with a practice plan and ready to teach, and will expect the student athletes to come and give 100%. There will be a lot of things to go over, and the only way we as a team will benefit is to have committed, hardworking individuals showing up, willing and ready to participate. If an athlete can’t attend a practice or game, they must inform the coach themselves.
Sportsmanship
Athletics at RMS has earned an outstanding reputation for good sportsmanship. Athletes and fans (students and adults) have always conducted themselves commendably. Everyone is proud of this reputation and work hard to uphold it. Please review the following:
• The good name of the school is more valuable than a game won.
• Accept decisions of officials without dispute.
• Recognize and show appreciation of fine play and good sportsmanship by opponents and teammates.
Attendance
The student athlete must be present in every class all day to be eligible to practice and play unless unavoidable situations arise and the matter has been discussed with the coach. The Coach, Principal and Athletic Directors must approve exceptions to this rule. Un-excused absences will put a student athlete’s participation privileges in jeopardy. Absences from practices and/or contests must be with the coach’s knowledge and consent. Do not depend on a teammate to deliver the message.
Uniforms
We are lucky enough to have nice uniforms at RMS. Players will be assigned uniforms with the intention of them being returned in a timely fashion. They must also be returned with the expectation that they will be taken care and washed. Failure to return a uniform will result in the student being charged the cost of replacement.